Zidane says Real Madrid star Ronaldo will be fit for UCL final
Zinedine Zidane says Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit for the Champions League final, despite a persistent thigh problem.
The three-time Ballon d'Or winner came off at half-time of Real Madrid's final game of the La Liga season at Deportivo La Coruna 10 days ago having scored twice in the first half to take his tally for the season to 51.
He then sat out a practice match on Saturday ahead of Saturday night's highly-anticipated clash with city rivals Atletico at the San Siro in Milan.
But Zidane is confident his talisman will be available in Italy, saying: "There will be no problem. He felt something on Saturday when we had a game between us and he didn't play as a precaution.
"He will be ready for Saturday and I think we are in good shape physically."
However, Raphael Varane has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and the France international is now a doubt for Euro 2016.
"It is sure that he will be injured for Saturday," added Zidane. "I expect he will be out for two or three weeks. I hope for him it isn't as severe as anticipated.
"I hope he'll have the chance to do something at the Euros."
Varane was unlikely to start in Milan, with Sergio Ramos and Pepe the preferred pairing in the center of defense, meaning Zidane is set to have his first-choice starting XI available to face Atletico.
An 11th win in Europe's top club competition would cap a sensational start to Zidane's senior management career having turned around Real's fortunes with 21 wins from 26 games since replacing the sacked Rafael Benitez in January.
However, the Frenchman insists he still has a lot to learn as a coach.
"The desire I have to learn is tremendous and I am convinced I am going to improve," he said. "I have a lot to do to be a good and important coach in football."
